STEM Start
Why STEM Start?
STEM Start is an extension of the Summer Start program. STEM Start is a summer program for first-year, first-generation and/or Pell-eligible South Carolina residents majoring in a STEM field. STEM Start is designed to assist students in successfully transitioning to Clemson University and to identify the STEM major that best fits them.
College is an experience characterized by change and challenges. First-generation and/or Pell-eligible college students have a higher rate of dropping out after their first year. A strong support system and solid academic foundation can make a difference in your success. Clemson University has developed a program to help ensure success for these new STEM students.
Who is STEM Start for?
STEM Start assists first-year, first-generation and/or Pell-eligible Clemson students who are residents of South Carolina in reaching their career goals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) majors. Click here for a list of eligible STEM majors at Clemson.
STEM Start Eligibility
STEM Start is open to all Summer and Fall admitted students who are first-generation and/or Pell-eligible and are majoring in one of the STEM fields. First-generation means that your parents have not earned a bachelor's degree. Also, if your sibling is currently enrolled in college or has earned a degree, you are still considered a first-generation student. You also must be willing to commit to being present for the entire Summer experience. Family vacations, camps, dance competitions, etc. will not be excused absences for this experience. Missing one day is like missing three days of classes due to the compressed timeline of the summer II semester.
STEM Start 2025 Timeline
| Time Frame | Action |
|---|---|
| June 25 | Move into Summer Housing |
| June 26 and 27 | Ready, Set, Roar! |
| June 30 | First day of classes |
| July 4 | University Holiday - No Classes |
| August 1 | Last Day of Classes |
| August 2 | Move out for all STEM Start students who do not need to take in-person finals on August 4 and 5 |
| August 4 and 5 | Final Examinations |
| August 6 | Final move out of Summer Housing assignment for students who took in-person finals on August 5 |
The STEM Start Experience
Academic Coursework
- You will earn 6 to 7 credits towards general education requirements, MATH prerequisites, and/or major requirements.
- All students in STEM Start will be enrolled in CU 1000, which is a course that introduces new students to Clemson's student success resources, community standards, and values.
- STEM Start students will also be enrolled in CU 1010 course that teaches how to succeed inside and outside the classroom at Clemson.
- This course includes:
- A Math Seminar series that prepares you for Clemson’s calculus classes that are heavily focused on the use of logic and algebra.
- A General Chemistry lab experience that prepares you for college-level chemistry lab reports.
- This course includes:
Math Placement
As a STEM major, math placement is critical to your future academic plan. We highly recommend sending in your ACT and/or SAT scores if you applied to Clemson test optional as ACT math and/or SAT math scores are used for placement in a variety of courses such as MATH and ENGR. If you did not take the ACT and/or SAT or desire a higher MATH placement, we recommend taking the Clemson Mathematics Placement Test (CMPT). More information about the CMPT can be found here.
Cost - Free
This summer opportunity is free for students who qualify and are accepted to the program!
The program covers:
- Summer tuition
- Summer housing
- An unlimited meal plan
- All STEM Start and Summer Start activities and enrichment opportunities
- Required materials for Chemistry lab experience (lab coat, goggles, and lab manual)
- STEM Start polo for employer visits
Costs for STEM Start Students:
- Any required textbooks.
- A personal laptop is needed for the first day of classes.
- Any other personal or essential items you need for the Summer term.
- A Clemson parking permit if bringing a vehicle to campus.
- A pair of closed-toed shoes and long pants (ex: khakis or dress pants) for employer visits.
There are two FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) that STEM Start students need to fill out. Students who are interested in STEM Start need to fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA to be eligible for Federal Pell Grant and/or Federal Direct Loans for the summer II semester. The preferred deadline is April 1, and students should fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA as soon as possible, no later than June 30. Students will also need to submit a 2025-2026 FAFSA to be eligible for Federal Pell Grant and/or Federal Direct Loans for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). Clemson also uses the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Housing
STEM Start students will be living in Summer/STEM Community Housing in Calhoun Courts or non-Summer/STEM Community Housing either in Mauldin Hall or Calhoun Courts. Summer/STEM Community Housing allows a STEM Start student to choose one space and roommate for both the Summer and Academic Year terms. This means Summer/STEM Community Housing residents will not change roommates or move out of their space at the end of summer. Non-Summer/STEM Community Housing means a STEM Start student will have a different living space and roommate for the summer and academic year, meaning they will move out of their summer space at the end of the summer II term. All STEM Start students will be able to select roommates and more information on the roommate process can be found here.
STEM Start students are required to live on Clemson’s campus for this unique experience, even if they live close enough during the Fall and Spring terms to apply for a housing waiver and commute. Remember, your on-campus housing for the Summer is paid by STEM Start and free to you!
Applying
If you are eligible for the STEM Start program, you will receive an official email invitation to the program from the University. Be sure to apply quickly because program space is limited. You will find the program application in your Admitted Student Portal. If you would like to learn more about STEM Start, we encourage you to sign up for an Information Session in your Admitted Student Portal.
Enrichment Opportunities
Professional Development Outings in Upstate, South Carolina
You will tour various companies and organizations that highlight an extensive list of STEM careers to help you start with the end in mind. Business tours include:
- BMW.
- Arthrex.
- Prisma Health in Greenville.
- Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.
- The Center for Human Genetics.
Workshops
Workshops will also be offered throughout the summer to help you understand yourself better through tools like Focus 2 and StrengthsFinder. There will be opportunities for career exploration through the many STEM majors that Clemson has to offer to ensure you start your academic experience on the right track. We will also help to ensure you have the best academic success strategies as you start your Clemson academic journey through workshops with the Academic Success Center.
Etiquette Dinner
We will participate in an etiquette dinner to prepare you for occasions on campus and off where a formal dinner may be the setting.
Social Activities
There will be many activities and opportunities for engagement and building relationships throughout the summer, including:
- Clemson CORE Trips
- Fourth of July Celebration
- Laser Tag and Mini Golf
- Lake Day at Lake Hartwell
- Trivia at the Barnes Center
